Farming diversified: Polyhouse a green boon for farmers

Ree village resident Prakash Chand, 58, had all but given up on life as his poor health had rendered him without work, until the day he decided to set up polyhouses on his barren land.Chand had been working in a refinery in Chennai, but had to leave his job and return home when he fell seriously ill.

After his recovery, he contacted the agriculture department, which helped him set up four polyhouses at a cost of Rs 7.2 lakh, and a check dam at a cost of Rs 8 lakh. The department also helped him get bank loan for rainwater harvesting tank and a sprinkler.

With active support from his family and his hard work, the farmer is now earning between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 per month by selling seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables, which fetches higher prices.

Chand says with new technology and hard work, he has not only changed the future of his family, but has also proved that hard work is the key to success.

He says he is now happy with his life, especially as he has been able to repay most of his loans. Inspired by his success, some of Chand's friends have also taken up agriculture on a large scale.

Deputy commissioner Ashish Singhmar, who recently visited Chand's fields, says he is happy with the work done by the family, and that others should also use such innovative methods to transform their barren lands.